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Been so long
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| justfoundout |
Posted on June 28 2012 03:11 PM
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Member
Location: Texas USA
Posts: 6101
Joined: 2008-05-25
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6/28/12
Laura, I think that it would be a good thing for your local place (Penumbra?) to start a support group. Everyone probably has a lot of practical things that they could share with others, but they need to be able to talk in an environment where no one is expecting everyone else to be up 100 percent highly functional. Out in the 'real world' people have unrealistic expectations and are ready to pounce when they don't get the service (or explanation) that they think they deserve. But there are many people with a lot of good to share who just don't feel well enough to meet everyone elses' expectations. I'd like it if you would think back over your work experience and see if there is some part of it that you'd like to share with the 'new support group'. Then, you might even look around for some old training materials that you were given and re-write parts of that material so that a 'layman' could understand it. If Penumbra knew that they could count on you for at least one presentation to the group, this might give them motivation to get the group started.
RW - thanks for your compliment. : - ) jus' |
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| Laura |
Posted on June 28 2012 06:34 PM
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Member
Location: Scotland
Posts: 1229
Joined: 2006-11-16
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Hey Just,
Ye I hope Penumbra do start one up but not holding my breath as it takes a lot to start a group up.... you need dedication from people to come and for "supporters" to be able to be there all the time.
I have actually joked with my Support Workers that I should just write myself a care/support plan. Would make my life a lot easier lol! Did them all the time in work lol!!
BEEN THERE DONE THAT, GOT THE T-SHIRT |
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| justfoundout |
Posted on June 28 2012 06:48 PM
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Member
Location: Texas USA
Posts: 6101
Joined: 2008-05-25
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6/28/12
Yes,... it's a joke when you say you'll write your own plan. But seriously, it might do people in a support group a lot of good to listen to you tell about the criteria used for writing a plan 'back when you did it' for other people. Hearing about the work that you used to do might even give those other people ideas on what would make them feel useful to society themselves. They may have been sick for so long that their counselors forget that they need 'hope' and something that makes them feel useful in order to have the desire to pull out of their current condition. There are, for example, blind people who need for someone to make 'recordings' of books for them. And, there are people who need literacy instructors, even though they are adults. Any of these people could turn out to be a 'new best friend' to the person willing to help them. You could pool your knowledge of the type of employment you've had with others who have worked in different fields and make presentations to the support group. - jus' |
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| Laura |
Posted on July 01 2012 03:38 PM
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Member
Location: Scotland
Posts: 1229
Joined: 2006-11-16
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Hey Just,
I guess I can/could do that. It's hard to write one for yourself though as you don't really "see" everything involved in your care. I could do the guys at work no worries as I "see" them and their issues/problems etc on a daily basis. I would need to ask friends to see what they would add to it?
My Support Worker said to me on Friday.... "You could set up a bipolar group" I am a bit unsure. She said to think about it. I mean I am still going through my own issues etc. I am not 100% better at all. Would I be able to set up a group and help other people who suffer/know someone who suffers from Bipolar? It would be a lot of hard work. I just don't know if I am cut out for it. I would need to work on guidelines and I would have a starter pack on Bipolar.
It would consist of
1. What Bipolar is
2. The types of Bipolar
3. Phone numbers and websites to visit
4. Numbers for when in Crisis
5. A weekly/fortnightly agenda?
Would like to get professionals involved..... Also I would want people to feel open to talk about their experiences with Bipolar, meental health professionals, hospitals, therapy etc etc
It would be fun but a lot of work I think
BEEN THERE DONE THAT, GOT THE T-SHIRT |
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| justfoundout |
Posted on July 01 2012 04:03 PM
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Member
Location: Texas USA
Posts: 6101
Joined: 2008-05-25
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7/1/12
You might also ask if there would be 'back-up hosts', so that always being present at the meetings wouldn't be all your own responsibility. - jus' |
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| Ladyhawke |
Posted on July 01 2012 04:17 PM
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Member
Location: Canada
Posts: 144
Joined: 2011-11-18
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Wow, Jus, those ceramic pieces are awesome! Well done! 
Algebra? When I learn decimals and fractions, you're welcome to try teaching me, but unless you have the patience of a saint and are very long-lived, good luck with that...  |
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| Laura |
Posted on July 01 2012 05:05 PM
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Member
Location: Scotland
Posts: 1229
Joined: 2006-11-16
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Thanks Just,
That's true I should have maybe a "team" behind me just so I have their support if I can not be there for some reason. I think that is an excellent idea Just!! Can't believe I didn't think of it lol!
I worry I won't be able to do it though. What if's always come into it. I know I have came soooo far, but I know I will always have blips of ill health. Will I be able to give sound advice? Life experience alone I am fine with and can help people see there is light at the end of the tunnel. But I just don't know if I am able yet. I have emailed my 4 friends a guideline and asked for their input so I will let you know the outcome of that
BEEN THERE DONE THAT, GOT THE T-SHIRT |
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| justfoundout |
Posted on July 02 2012 12:17 AM
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Member
Location: Texas USA
Posts: 6101
Joined: 2008-05-25
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7/1/12
I think, Laura, that as long as you make it clear that it won't always be 'you' in charge of the meeting, you'll be fine. After all, it's the same with work or school. If we could only do the job or the classwork when we feel like it, that would take away all the pressure to be 'at our best' on days when we aren't.
Thanks Ladyhawk, and also to you Laura, for your compliments on my art work. I like to make 'pretty things', not sad, dark things. I like to make things that I would want to see on a table or on a wall in my own house. I think that the teacher caught onto this because at my last critique, he said, "Well, you've got a pretty good haul this time." - jus' |
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